Gulf Restoration Network

Help Ensure Wetland Protection Laws are Enforced

A Hancock County developer has applied for a permit to destroy tidal wetlands near Bayou Caddy in order to build four condo towers. Actually, the developer already destroyed the wetlands in question, but he now wants the Army Corps of Engineers to issue an "after-the-fact" permit. If the Corps grants this permit, it will set a bad precedent, letting develpers know it is okay to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.

Coastal wetlands are a vanishing resource. They provide natural storm protection to coastal communities by reducing storm surge and soaking up flood waters. Coastal wetlands also act as a nursery for fish and as habitat for wildlife.

Help us ask the Corps to deny this permit and require that the developer restore all the damaged wetlands to their original condition.

To maximize your impact, please take a moment to personalize the message below.

February 09, 2010

Subject:
Public Notice SAM-2000-2528-ALF

Dear Army Corps of Engineers:

I am concerned with the proposed permit SAM-2000-2528-ALF to allow the construction of four condo towers near Bayou Caddy. The Corps should not permit wetland loss in such a sensitive tidal wetland area.  In addition, the Corps must do more to enforce wetland protection laws by requiring that the entire site be restored.

I specifically request that the Corps deny the issuance of this permit and any subsequent permit regarding this tract of land for the following reasons:

1)  The filling of any tidal wetlands in such a sensitive area should not be permitted.  The Bayou Caddy area is an important habitat and nursery for marine life. In addition, tidal wetlands can help buffer storm surge and remove pollutants from the water.  These coastal wetlands are irreplaceable.

2)  This proposed permit is incompatible with the Corps' own Mississippi Coastal Improvement Program.  Current Corps maps show this area as a potential "ecosystem restoration" site.

3) The proposed project is not water dependent.  The construction of condo towers does not require wetland destruction.  The project should only be placed at an upland, non-wetland site.

4) A Mississippi Court recently struck down a zoning change that would have allowed construction of towers at this site.

5) The proposed mitigation is unacceptable.  The creation of "high marsh" further inland will never compensate for the loss of any tidal coastal wetlands.

The Corps should require that the entire site be restored, rather than only 1.1 acres. Many unauthorized wetland fills are occurring in Hancock County, with developers asking forgiveness rather than permission.  The Corps should take this opportunity to change that mindset by fully enforcing its own regulations and penalties.

In addition, I request that a public hearing be held on this proposed permit.

Sincerely,

We will add your signature from the information you provide.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Street*

Street 2

City*

State/Province*

Zip/Postal Code*